KPSC Chairman Sahukar Shivashankarappa faces arrest in recruitment scam probe

The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has issued a third notice to suspended Karnataka Public Service Commission (KPSC) Chairman Sahukar Shivashankarappa, who faces potential arrest following his failure to appear for questioning regarding a recruitment scam. This development follows a Karnataka High Court decision to reject his anticipatory bail plea, with the court noting that the allegations suggest a “systematic fraud” that undermines public faith in the system.

CID investigators have been conducting searches at Shivashankarappa’s residence in Bengaluru’s Dollars Colony and the premises of his relatives. The investigation focuses on alleged manipulation of examination records, OMR sheets, and payments to middlemen, specifically concerning the recruitment of 400 Veterinary Officers. Previously, the CID arrested IAS officer Gyanendra Kumar Gangwar and middleman Basavaraj Kannale in connection with the case.

In addition to the recruitment irregularities, Shivashankarappa faces allegations involving the illegal acquisition of 27 acres of land in Yadgir district. It is alleged that forged documents were used to transfer land from an original owner to his son-in-law, and subsequently to Shivashankarappa himself. Shivashankarappa was suspended by Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot in July following allegations that he facilitated the illegal selection of his daughters for official positions.